A few questions about the DM's Kit

[ArcaneSpringboard]

1. How much overlap is there in regards to the rules between the DM's Kit book and the Rules Compendium?

2. Does the DM's Kit have the 'improvisation' suggestions for Skills like the Rules Compendium does?

3. Are the Rare magic items in the DM's kit just the same as what has already been written (ie like the Holy Avenger) or are there actually some interesting items in that list?

 

[TikkchikFenTikktikk]

A1: The description of the D&D world is very similar, though more fleshed out in the DM Kit. The combat rules are repeated completely, from what I can tell.

The DM Kit has about 1/5 of its pages dedicated to running the game, which really isn't covered at all in the RC. About 1/4 of the coverage is how to build adventures (the RC has a small appendix on building combat encounters) and detailed coverage of rewards (also covered in a relatively brief appendix in the RC).

A2: The DM Kit doesn't discuss skills at all in the way the RC does. Its discussion of skills centers on when and how to use checks and challenges.

A3: Magical items take up about 18 pages of the DM Kit. The rare magical items in the DM Kit are:
Mantle of the Seventh Wind
Holy Avenger
Vorpal Weapon
Staff of the Magi
Winged Boots
Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Ioun Stone of True Sight
Cloak of Invisibility
Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ring of Invisibility
Ring of Protection
Ring of Regeneration
Flying Carpet

The magic item descriptions take up about 8 pages in the Hot... books and do not include any rare items.

If you have the DMGs, it's hard to recommend the DM Kit, unless you really want the tokens, adventure (which does look like fun, though I haven't played it yet), and updated DM screen (which fits behind the current DM screen perfectly with a handful of small binder clips.

 

[buddhafrog]

This isn't your question, but let me just add that the DM Kit's adventure comes with the most awesome poster map. OK, 2nd most awesome behind Seekers of the Ashen Crown's map.

I just bought the DM Kit for my son for Christmas. I love when I can play with his toys....

 

[Keldryn]

If you have the DMGs, it's hard to recommend the DM Kit, unless you really want the tokens, adventure (which does look like fun, though I haven't played it yet), and updated DM screen (which fits behind the current DM screen perfectly with a handful of small binder clips.

Thank you for all of that! I'm still debating whether to pick up the DM Kit or not. Mainly for the adventure, tokens, and a smaller, more condensed book for referring to during play (and for reading on transit -- the hardcovers are too unwieldly to do that comfortably).

I do have both the DMG and DMG2, but I've been considering picking up the Rules Compendium as a handy reference during play.

Is there anything covered in the RC that would be missing from the combo of Heroes of the Fallen Lands and the DM Kit? You said that the skill writeups in the RC are not in the DM Kit, but are those writeups in HOFL/HOFK?

 

[ArcaneSpringboard]

I know the skill writeups are in the Heroes books.

 

[Klaus]

A1: The description of the D&D world is very similar, though more fleshed out in the DM Kit. The combat rules are repeated completely, from what I can tell.

The DM Kit has about 1/5 of its pages dedicated to running the game, which really isn't covered at all in the RC. About 1/4 of the coverage is how to build adventures (the RC has a small appendix on building combat encounters) and detailed coverage of rewards (also covered in a relatively brief appendix in the RC).

A2: The DM Kit doesn't discuss skills at all in the way the RC does. Its discussion of skills centers on when and how to use checks and challenges.

A3: Magical items take up about 18 pages of the DM Kit. The rare magical items in the DM Kit are:
Mantle of the Seventh Wind
Holy Avenger
Vorpal Weapon
Staff of the Magi
Winged Boots
Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Ioun Stone of True Sight
Cloak of Invisibility
Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ring of Invisibility
Ring of Protection
Ring of Regeneration
Flying Carpet

The magic item descriptions take up about 8 pages in the Hot... books and do not include any rare items.

If you have the DMGs, it's hard to recommend the DM Kit, unless you really want the tokens, adventure (which does look like fun, though I haven't played it yet), and updated DM screen (which fits behind the current DM screen perfectly with a handful of small binder clips.

Tell me more about the Gauntlets of Ogre Power!

 

[Klaus]

This isn't your question, but let me just add that the DM Kit's adventure comes with the most awesome poster map. OK, 2nd most awesome behind Seekers of the Ashen Crown's map.

I just bought the DM Kit for my son for Christmas. I love when I can play with his toys....

Which of these maps was in the SotAC map?

http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4map/20090722

 

[Bold or Stupid]

Which of these maps was in the SotAC map?

Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game Official Home Page - Article (Seekers of the Ashen Crown)

The marketplace and the Tomb with the four statues in the middle.

Edit - oh and the road.

 

[buddhafrog]

Which of these maps was in the SotAC map?

Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying Game Official Home Page - Article (Seekers of the Ashen Crown)

great market scene - best market scene IMO, and potential to run various types of fun encounters here.

1/2 poster road - not too special, but a solid map. I'm tired of using Kings Road and back of the paizo flip-mat: Keep.

1/2 poster evil temple/throne room - I love this room and have used it in all my games for various purposes.

Like I said, the DM kit poster looks awesome too.... maybe I'll start a new thread asking for people's favorite maps as I don't want to hijack this one.

 

[Zaran]

A3: Magical items take up about 18 pages of the DM Kit. The rare magical items in the DM Kit are:
Mantle of the Seventh Wind
Holy Avenger
Vorpal Weapon
Staff of the Magi
Winged Boots
Gauntlets of Ogre Power
Ioun Stone of True Sight
Cloak of Invisibility
Ring of Freedom of Movement
Ring of Invisibility
Ring of Protection
Ring of Regeneration
Flying Carpet

The magic item descriptions take up about 8 pages in the Hot... books and do not include any rare items.

Anyone know why the ones new to the DM Kit are not added to the compendium yet?